Sarah Teather and the Lib Dems best choice for Brent pensioners

3.54.18pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 7th Apr 2005

Claire Rayner is backing Sarah Teather

Local Liberal Democrat Sarah Teather today visited Perrin House, Kilburn with Claire Rayner. Whilst at the Sheltered Housing Accommodation they met with local residents to discuss the Lib Dems plans for pensioners.

Speaking about the visit Claire Rayner said:

"Sarah Teather and the Liberal Democrats are clearly the best choice for Brent's pensioners. Everybody should have the chance to retire with dignity at the end of their working life.

"The Liberal Democrats commitments to provide free personal care for the elderly, increasing the basic state pension and scrapping the council tax are certainly ones I support.

"I was a member of the Labour party for fifty years but I could not continue. I feel so strongly that my generation, who went through the war and who have given so much to this country should be looked after in the later stages of their lives. Tony Blair promised us so much but he has simply not delivered."

Local Liberal Democrat Sarah Teather said:

"I'm delighted to have Claire's support in this coming election. From post office closures, to means testing and the hated council tax, Labour have simply let down pensioners in Brent.

"Many local pensioners tell me how betrayed they feel by the Labour Government. Over 1,600 pensioners are estimated to be missing out on the pension credit in Brent East because of complex means testing.

"The Liberal Democrats are committed to seeing real money go to the pensioners who need it most; that is why we would increase the basic state pension starting at an extra £25 a week for those over 75.

"The Liberal Democrats offer a positive alternative for Brent's pensioners."